Scrumptious Salmon for a Healthy Skin and Coat Boost Your Dog's Skin Health with this Dog Fish Recipe

BY | March 11 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY
Scrumptious Salmon for a Healthy Skin and Coat
expert or vet photo
vet verified Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, DVM Associate Professor of Clinical Nutrition

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, NY

If your dog is having flaking or itching skin due to food allergies, a limited ingredient test meal may be in order. Try this simple salmon recipe.

We all have bad hair days. Unfortunately, not all hair problems can be blamed on a pesky cowlick or rough night’s sleep. If you are beginning to see a pattern of dry flaky skin or a dull lackluster coat in your dog, it could be that your pet has food allergies.

If this is the case, some veterinary dermatologists recommend a home-prepared food trial to help find what's causing the food allergy and get your dog on a diet that doesn't include it.

The following Scrumptious Salmon Recipe can be a way to rule out allergies to the most common food allergens such as poultry, beef, wheat, and dairy. Salmon is one of nature’s greatest sources of positive fats and oils and is proven in both dogs and humans to improve the condition of hair. The increased quantities of long chain omega three fatty acids may also help combat inflammation, making it a popular choice for food trials in food allergy cases.

Potato is also a popular choice in food trials because the protein found in potato is very different from the protein found in grain sources, which are known as glutens. The following recipe is designed to be a tasty, health conscious, and natural solution to boost the appearance of your dog’s coat, not to mention it makes great lunch leftovers for pet owners!

Keep in mind, this is not a complete and balanced diet for a dog and should only be used short-term to help determine if your dog has a food allergy. If the diet does prove successful, discuss with your veterinarian or a board certified veterinary nutritionist how to balance a dietary plan to make a long-term alternative for your companion.

Scrumptious Salmon Recipe:

  • Salmon (canned or freshly cooked) – 6 ounces
  • Two medium sized cooked potatoes (about 2 ¼ to 3 ¼ diameter)
  • Canola oil (1 Tbsp)
  • Dash of salt

Cooking Instructions:

Chop potato into small pieces and cook in skillet with the canola oil for about 15 minutes. (Time Saving Tip: If you’re in a hurry, place the raw chopped potato in the microwave for 5 minutes on high before adding to the skillet.) When the potato is nearly cooked, add the salmon. Add a dash of salt to taste.

This recipe makes enough for one day for a 30 pound dog.

Remember, this recipe should only be fed to your dog short-term and under the guidance of your veterinarian.

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This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian. It has however been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Joe, a board certified veterinary nutritionist and graduate of Cornell University's program for Veterinary Medicine. 

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General Allergies Dandruff & Flaky Skin

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